Acupuncture has two forms; the traditional eastern acupuncture and a newer western form. In eastern acupuncture, the meridians and energy points are located in thousands of places all over the body. To the layperson, the points may feel a long way away from the actual point of injury or disease, but acupuncture is widely accepted as a useful support to western medicine.
In western acupuncture, practitioners such as qualified physiotherapists insert needles directly into the site of pain or injury to reduce pain and inflammation. Both forms of acupuncture are equally effective.
What about the needles?
Most people don’t love needles and injections. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine (far back in history, the Chinese practiced acupuncture with finely sliced bamboo) and are virtually painless. Once they are inserted, they may be stimulated to achieve a greater result, but the sensation is not sharp or needle-related, rather more like that of a strong massage.
Acupuncturists believe that their practice helps maintain healthy immunity and it can help with anything from migraines to fertility and weight management.
If you have a regular acupuncturist, a visit at the change of each season can help prevent colds and flu and seasonal ailments.
The beauty of acupuncture is that it is calming, you may feel an immediate result and it is generally painless. It is drug free and does not generally have an effect on medication. Acupuncture needles are disposable, sterile and will not be reused.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture, seek the advice of a health professional for referrals.